By John Majau
Teachers in Embu want the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to factor promotions in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
They argued that including promotions in the CBA will not only motivate teachers but it will also ensure they don’t stagnate in one grade for many years.
They regretted that despite getting stuck in one grade for many years, they are also required to undergo interviews before progressing to the next grade.
They want TSC to review their CBA which expires this month to address challenges of promotions once and for all.
The area Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman Embu Benson Njue said the new CBA should address career progression.
“There are several bottlenecks in the current CBA that we want addressed because of the many grades that are due for promotion,” Njue said.
He said most secondary school teachers are in grade C and they must attend four interviews to move from C1 to C4 which lengthens the process.
He was speaking during a conference for secondary school heads in North Imenti, Meru County.
He said the CBA on promotion should be negotiated afresh in order to give teachers a fairer and better chance to progress in career noting that proper timelines should be well spelt out.
Njue said teachers have a challenges dealing with students who often defy the ministry of health regulations.
“Older teachers are at risk and more vulnerable to Covid-19 because society is not adhering to the ministry’s guidelines and hence students learn from the same,” he said.
Kagumo High School Principal Silas Mwirigi advised teachers nearing retirement to start investing in farming in preparation for life after their profession.
“When you retire nobody will remember what you did no matter how good your school performed. You will only be left with your family,” Mwirigi said.
Nanyuki Boys High School Principal Oliver Minish said head teachers are sometimes stressed and do not have time for personal enagegements.
“They need to take time off especially during weekends and relax while doing things that they like. I go out and dance to relieve stress,” said Minishi.
